‘Outright Evil’: Anguish and Fury as Citizens Allegedly Deceived into Fighting for Russia

One parent has not heard from her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the frontlines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, fatigue evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, heart palpitations. It's overwhelming. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.”

The young man was among a contingent of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in legal filings, were tricked into serving with Russia. The purported operation is linked to a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about the individual's involvement began to surface last month after the South African government said it was trying to help citizens trapped in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, a different family member, filed a police report claiming that several individuals had misled the men.

This claim sent shock waves through the nation, where the broader situation has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Statistics show a substantial percentage of under-35s are not in work or education.

The men are believed to be caught in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their families thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

Mary, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were connected with the accused through a relative when her son was still a child. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could join a personal development programme, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even secure Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the program and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a vocal supporter of her parent, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Russia date back many years. The former president has been a leading figure in advocating for closer relationships with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her support of Russia. On social media, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.

In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of serious offenses related to online posts during previous riots. She denies those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The men reportedly met at a travel hub in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Messages from online forums dated July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease.

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. One message clearly read: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the young man contacted his parent to say he was being forced to sign a contract in a language he did not understand. A document linked to another member of the group seems to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been active in the hostilities since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the office of the South African president said it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government noted that assisting external armed forces without official permission is illegal.

The political rift between current and former leaders introduces an element of complication to the situation. Initially, the group included twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to come back.

A subsequent conversation between the accused and relatives of the men allegedly provided no answers. Shortly after, the formal allegation was filed by another family member, claiming her sibling and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement claiming she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a legitimate training course. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for comment. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of African nationals are serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about these activities.

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals including a media personality recently appeared in court on charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “For someone to take a child … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”